Making connections and developing them into meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships is at the heart of effective networking. It’s important at many stages of your life and career, but especially when you’re job hunting.
Networking enables you to build connections that can greatly enhance your chances of landing the right job. Among the leading benefits:
- You can gain access to jobs that haven’t been advertised yet. Many businesses prefer to rely on, or at least start with, networking before they even begin posting open positions. So, by meeting the right person, you’re already ahead of the competition before you even take the next step.
- You can often “skip the line” when applying and landing an interview. And, you start that critical face-to-face meeting with an advantage as well: a potential employer is more likely to trust you and consider you a good fit if a mutual contact has paved the way.
Steps to Take
Here are a few tips to help you fine tune your networking skills and optimize your job search process:
- Have your elevator pitch ready. This is your 30 to 60-second summary telling others who you are, what you do, and why they should care. It conveys what you want them to remember about you – and it sets the tone for future networking.
- If you’re an introvert – or even if you’re not – conquer your fear. If the thought of networking makes you even slightly uncomfortable, you may need to challenge yourself to be more outgoing or do something you wouldn’t normally do, like attend an after-hours business event or call a friend of a friend. It often helps to prepare your questions and discussion topics ahead of time, so you’re less tongue tied when the time comes.
- Network both in person and online. In-person interactions are critical to effective networking, whether they occur in formal or informal settings. Strike a balance between meeting people face to face and online. Social media and other online connections also serve an invaluable purpose, as they help you meet others regardless of where they live and work. Likewise, your online professional profiles can help others find and learn about you.
- Make it a two-way street. Successful networking is a two-way street. As you make or reconnect with professional contacts, offer to help them out in any way you can. It may be volunteering to assist them with a project or performing minor tasks that will show your initiative, work ethic, and genuine interest in their company. This way, they can better vouch for you to others. And, you may find you can help them in their careers, too. Now, that’s relationship building!
Last but not least, one of your most valuable networking resources is a professional recruiter who specializes in your industry. To make this happen and tap into our powerful network of employers throughout the Central Valley and beyond, contact PrideStaff Modesto today.
